Which hormone is secreted by an empty stomach to stimulate hunger?

Which hormone is secreted by an empty stomach to stimulate hunger?

• A. Ghrelin
• B. Leptin
• C. Insulin
• D. Dopamine

Answer: (A)

Hunger is driven by signals that reflect energy status, and ghrelin is the hormone that tells the brain you’re hungry when the stomach is empty. It’s released by the stomach and travels to the hypothalamus, where it activates neurons that promote feeding. Ghrelin levels rise before meals and fall after eating, helping to cue meal time. Leptin, released from fat tissue, informs the brain about longer-term energy stores and tends to suppress appetite. Insulin, produced by the pancreas after you eat, also contributes to feeling full. Dopamine is tied to reward and motivation around eating rather than signaling hunger itself. So the hormone that specifically signals hunger when the stomach is empty is ghrelin.

Hunger is driven by signals that reflect energy status, and ghrelin is the hormone that tells the brain you’re hungry when the stomach is empty. It’s released by the stomach and travels to the hypothalamus, where it activates neurons that promote feeding. Ghrelin levels rise before meals and fall after eating, helping to cue meal time.

Leptin, released from fat tissue, informs the brain about longer-term energy stores and tends to suppress appetite. Insulin, produced by the pancreas after you eat, also contributes to feeling full. Dopamine is tied to reward and motivation around eating rather than signaling hunger itself. So the hormone that specifically signals hunger when the stomach is empty is ghrelin.